Waterford – Marvin "Mike" Saaf, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 while in the care of hospice.

Marvin was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 23, 1929 to Ragner and Olein (nee: Aspen) Saaf. On February 27, 1954 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dorothy "Dort" Bassette. Marvin was employed over 30 years by J.I Case Corporation. He was a volunteer firefighter and Paramedic with Mount Pleasant, teaching EMT courses at the fire station. He served in the Army and Marines fighting in World War II in the Korean War serving in Japan and he speaks Japanese. In his youth he could run the distance of two marathons in one day a boxer, coal, miner, farmer, tire dealer, merchant marine, brush salesman machine tool repair man and inventor.  In the 50s he had a job doing continuous improvement for the Young Radiator company where he exclusively worked on creating change for productivity and safety. Many of his ideas were sold and patented by others. He always responds with "Watch Me" when told you can't do that. He was a devoted member of Saint Sebastian Catholic Church, where he was forever involved in various capacities including prayer group host, annual parish festivals, the polka mass, food pantry, and pro-life activist to name a few. He was consistently concerned for others, so he traveled on several trips to Kentucky bringing life necessities to the less fortunate and some of the poorest communities of our country.  He had an opportunity to travel with family to religion rich locations, including a Medijori pilgrimage. He was also involved in Dart ball leagues over the years. Marvin always placed his God and family as priority one in life.

Surviving are his daughter, Michelle Saaf/April Garza; grandchildren, Staci Carlson, Joshua (Marissa) Farrar, and Sara Carlson; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Peyton, Carter, Maddox and Hudson Farrar. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Ragner and Olein; wife of 53 years, Dorothy; son, Patrick Saaf; and sister, Ruth Marty.

Service Details

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Marvin at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 95 ^th Street, Sturtevant on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11:30AM, with Father Thomas Vathappallil officiating. Visitation will be at church on Thursday from 10:30AM until Mass. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park.

A special thank you to all the physicians, nurses and medical staff and Hospice for the wonderful support that was given to Marvin "Mike" over the years and to the church family, neighbors, and friends for the prayers continued friendship and hospitality that was so graciously extended in our time of need.  May God continue to bless all of you for your kindness and generosity!